Book Review: A Year And A Day.

Three different women.

Three intertwining love stories.

One unforgettable, timeless city.

From the very first sentence of A Year And A Day I was captivated – and long after I read the final page, my thoughts kept going back to this exceptional book.

Isabelle Broom is, undoubtedly, a fantastic storyteller, with a wonderful, lyrical way of writing.

In her latest book, she not only creates characters who I liked so much I had to remind myself that they were fictional but also manages to cleverly weave three very different stories together in a way that feels entirely natural. They build and build to reach a breathtaking climax – even now it gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.

What unites them, other than deep underlying love of different kinds, is the beautiful, almost mystical, city of Prague but it is so much more than just a backdrop – it’s almost a fourth story.

Here’s the rest of the blurb:

Welcome to a city where wishes are everywhere.

For Megan, a winter escape to Prague with her friend Ollie is a chance to find some inspiration for her upcoming photography exhibition. But she’s determined to keep their friendship from becoming anything more. Because if Megan lets Ollie find out about her past, she risks losing everything – and she won’t let that happen again . . .

For Hope, the trip is a surprise treat from Charlie, her new partner. But she’s struggling to enjoy the beauty of the city when she knows how angry her daughter is back home. And that it’s all her fault . . .

For Sophie, the city has always been a magical place. This time she can’t stop counting down the moments until her boyfriend Robin joins her. But in historic Prague you can never escape the past . . .

The story switches between Megan, Hope and Sophie but they are staying at the same hotel and eventually their lives intertwine while exploring the Czech Republic’s capital city.

I was lucky enough to visit Prague several years ago and have very fond memories of exploring its historic streets, which I have no doubt added to my pleasure when reading this book. Even if you haven’t been it won’t matter as Isabelle creates a clear picture of the city – especially through Megan’s eyes (or perhaps lens, as she’s a photographer).

I can’t help but think, even though it feels a bit sacrilegious to suggest it, that this book would work brilliantly as a film (obviously everyone who wanted to watch it would have to swear they had already read the book first).

I don’t give full marks lightly (this is only my second five star review on the blog) but I would probably give this 6/5 if it was possible.

It is an unforgettable read.

Format: Kindle (published Nov 17).

Price: £4.99.

My rating: Five stars.

Thank you so much to Penguin UK, via NetGalley, for the ARC in return for my honest opinion.